NYT Letter to the Editor: Come Together

Robert D. Putnam’s essay about Port Clinton, Ohio (“Crumbling American Dreams,” Sunday Review, Aug. 4), poignantly highlighted the devastation wrought by the combined forces of a global recession and technological revolution on our communities, families and seemingly our values. Left unsaid is the opportunity each of us has to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

The challenges we face are too big for any one sector to tackle. But when all of us — nonprofits, government, business and individuals — combine our talent, resources and time, we create opportunities for everyone to flourish.

It’s happening. People across America are coming together — rooted in a strong sense of “we” — to change their communities. In Grand Rapids, Mich., 1,200 faith leaders, retirees, college students and employees work with struggling elementary-school children, who have rapidly advanced academically.

There are countless success stories like this illustrating the power of collective action to fuel positive change. It starts with us.